Associate Director

Location & work modality: Delhi (remote)

Start: January 2026

Type of Contract: Full Time 

Travel Requirements: Signficant

About Submer

At Submer, we are redefining how data centers are built, integrated, and operated, with sustainability, efficiency, and innovation at the core. Our technology is designed to reduce environmental impact while improving performance and efficiency. We are a purpose-driven company with a passion for innovation and a growing global presence. 

What impact you will have

You will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, and managing upstream partnerships that accelerate Submer India's vision of enabling sustainable AI Datacentre infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. You will combine business strategy fluency with market sensing ability, spot opportunities early and shape them into structured partnership pathways.

What you'll do

This role focuses on strategic relationship building, intelligence gathering, ecosystem development and thought leadership — creating the connective nerve between Submer India, technology alliances, government programs, academia, and global innovation partners. Within this scope you'll do the following:

· Identify and engage with upstream partners (OEMs, component suppliers, hyperscalers, cloud service providers, and sustainability innovators) relevant to Submer's immersion cooling and AI Datacentre value chain.

· Build strategic relationships with academic institutions, think tanks, and government technology missions to enable R&D collaborations and pilot deployments.

· Maintain an ecosystem map and continuously refresh partner intelligence (offerings, projects, strategic moves, funding patterns).

· Scan for early signals of industry shifts, policy updates, or emerging programs in AI infrastructure, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

· Support RFP and proposal teams by identifying where to play - rather than how to sell - providing insight into upcoming initiatives and potential partnership angles.

· Co-develop collaboration frameworks (MoUs, academic alliances, industry consortiums) aligned with Submer's global positioning.

· Support VP – AI Business Transformation in shaping national-level initiatives with State/Center ministries, Skill Councils, and ecosystem bodies.

· Work with internal legal and business functions to ensure partnership models are scalable and compliant.

· Act as the strategic bridge between global Submer functions (GTM, Product, Sustainability, R&D) and Indian ecosystem partners.

· Align partnership outcomes with Submer India's annual OKRs, ensuring measurable value creation.

· Represent Submer India at key industry forums, academia-industry events, and sustainability roundtables.

· Contribute to whitepapers, joint publications, and policy dialogues that enhance Submer's voice in the Indian AI infrastructure ecosystem

Required experience

· Deep understanding of technology ecosystems, partnerships, and business transformation in sectors such as Datacentres, AI/ML, Cloud, or Sustainability Tech.

· Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement abilities at senior levels (CXOs, policy heads, academia).

· Ability to synthesize complex market data into clear strategic insights.

· Comfortable operating in matrixed, cross-cultural environments.

· Excellent communication, articulation, and executive presentation skills.

What we offer

• Attractive compensation package refleting your expertise and experience.
• A great work environment characterised by friendliness, international diversity, flexibility, and a hybrid-friendly approach.
• You´ll be part of a fast-growing scale-up with a mission to make a positive impact, offering an exciting career evolution.

Our Inclusive Responsibility

Submer is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.